IAS Questions for Prelims 2018: 27 November to 1 December 2017

Athar Raza

Dec 1, 2017 15:16 IST

IAS Questions for Prelims 1 December 2017

Go through the important IAS questions provided here are based on the current affairs of the last week of November 2017 which can be asked in the IAS Prelims Exam 2018. The IAS aspirants should not ignore to study such important questions before IAS Prelims Exam 2018.

1.Consider the following statements regarding the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Third Amendment) Bill:

2) The bill will insert Clause (26C) under Article 366 which means such backward classes as are so deemed under Article 342A for the purpose.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. Only 1 b. Only 2 c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017 seeks to grant the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) constitutional status, at par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The Bill seeks to remove the power of the NCSC to examine matters related to backward classes.

The NCBC is a body set up under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. It has the power to examine complaints regarding inclusion or exclusion of groups within the list of backward classes, and advise the central government in this regard. The Bill seeks to establish the NCBC under the Constitution, and provide it the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes.

The Constitution Amendment Bill states that the President may specify the socially and educationally backward classes in the various states and union territories. However, a law of Parliament will be required if the list of backward classes is to be amended.

Under the Constitution Amendment Bill, the NCBC will comprise of five members appointed by the President. Their tenure and conditions of service will also be decided by the President through rules.

2.Which of the following statement best describes the objective of UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) application?

a. UMANG provides seamless integration with popular customer centric services like Aadhaar and Digilocker. b. UMANG will soon be providing integration with various other services such as PayGov. c. Both (a) and (b) d. None of the above

Answer: c

Explanation:

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is envisaged to make e-governance. It is developed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and National e-Governance Division (NeGD) to drive Mobile Governance in India.

UMANG provides a single platform for all Indian Citizens to access pan India e-Gov services ranging from Central to Local Government bodies and other citizen centric services.

UMANG intends to provide major services offered by Central and State Government departments, Local bodies and other utility services from private organizations. It provides a unified approach where citizens can install one application to avail multiple government services.

3.Consider the following statements regarding the Capacity building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs):

1) Elected Women Representatives includes only the Member of Parliament. 2) This is initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development through National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD). 3) The Capacity building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) is critical to empower women to participate effectively in governance processes.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is initiating an extensive training programme through National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) of the Ministry with an objective of empowering Elected Women Representatives (EWRs). Around 500 EWRs and nearly 200 master trainers from different corners of the country are attending this session of the programme.

The Capacity building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) is critical to empower women to participate effectively in governance processes. This will help them assume the leadership roles expected of them and guide their villages towards a more prosperous future.

The 73rd amendment to the Constitution of India has bestowed Panchayats with functional, financial and administrative powers and responsibilities for overall development, and this is a great opportunity for women to participate in nation-building.

4.Recently, the government has enhanced incentives under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) for two subsectors of Textiles Industry. Consider the following statements in this regard:

a. The incentives for two subsectors of Textiles Industry that is readymade garments and made ups have been enhanced from two percent to four percent of value of exports. b. The incentives for two subsectors of Textiles Industry that is readymade garments and made ups have been enhanced from four percent to six percent of value of exports. c. The incentives for two subsectors of Textiles Industry that is readymade garments and made ups have been enhanced as per exporter’s choice. d. None of the above

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has recently declared increased rates for incentives under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) for two subsectors of Textiles Industry that is readymade garments and made ups have been enhanced from two percent to four percent of value of exports.

The estimated annual incentives will be Rs. 1,143.15 crore for 2017-18 and Rs. 685.89 crore for 2018-19. This measure will incentivise the exports of labour intensive sectors of readymade garments and made ups and contribute to employment generation.

5.Recently, which bank has launched a nationwide platform called YONO (You Only Need Once) which will enable customers to avail lifestyle-based services?

a. State Bank of India b. Central Bank of India c. Reserve Bank of India d. All of the above

Answer: a

Explanation:

State Bank of India is country’s largest financial institution and it has launched an integrated omni-channel digital platform to offer financial services, besides lifestyle products and services. YONO will enable customers to avail lifestyle-based services under 14 categories, including booking and renting cabs, entertainment, dining experience, travel and stay, and medical assistance. The platform was developed leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning, and can be accessed through both its web portal and a mobile application.

Customers can use the offering to avail a host of services, including opening a bank account in less than five minutes, transferring funds, availing paperless pre-approved personal loans, getting overdraft facility against fixed deposits, and having access to a single-view window of the banking and financial portfolio of SBI Group companies, besides a smart spend advisor and chat bots for conversational banking.

6. The first edition of the International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2017) has been organised in Jaipur on 27 November 2017. Consider the following statements regarding this:

1. The INSPIRE 2017 brings together various stakeholders such as innovators, policymakers, financiers, influencers to showcase best practices in the power sector. 2. The International Symposium provides a platform for energy efficiency community to discuss energy efficiency policies, market transformation strategies, emerging technologies, delivery and business-model-driven transformations.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. Only 1 b. Only 2 c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

The first edition of the International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2017) has been organised in Jaipur on 27 November 2017. The five-day symposium is being organized by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in partnership with The World Bank, and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).

INSPIRE 2017 is an International Conference that brings together various stakeholders such as policymakers, innovators, financiers, influencers to showcase best practices in the sector. It provides a platform for energy efficiency community to discuss energy efficiency policies, market transformation strategies, emerging technologies, delivery and business-model-driven transformations. The event is further designed to provide global and national thought-leaders and implementers to expand perspectives on energy efficiency and spur ideas and solutions that will help leverage the full potential of energy efficiency and bring its multiple co-benefits to the fore.

7. The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is about to improve the well-being of selected Gram Panchayats (GPs) through the convergence of programmes under the scheme. Consider the following statements regarding this:

1. The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11th October 2014. 2. As many as 21 central schemes have already amended their guidelines or enabled priority for the SAGY Gram Panchayats. 3. It is envisaged that all these selected SAGY Gram Panchayats will have much better indicators on parameters ranging from physical infrastructure to human development and economic activities by March 2019.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

A Village Development Plan has been drawn for every SAGY Gram Panchayat which is to be implemented through convergence and additional prioritization by Central and State Governments. Till date, there are around 21 central schemes of which their guidelines have already been amended in order to set the priority for the SAGY Gram Panchayats. Most SAGY villages now have been taken up by State Governments as a part of Mission Antyodaya for significant improvement in sustainable livelihoods of poor households in these Gram Panchayats. All these Panchayats have been ranked for intervention to remove development gaps through a partnership of Central, State and Local Governments. It is envisaged that all these selected SAGY Gram Panchayats will have much better indicators on parameters ranging from physical infrastructure to human development and economic activities by March 2019.

8. Which of the following statement is not true regarding the particulate matter?

a. Particulate matter or particle pollution is the general term for a mixture of only solid particles found in the air. b. The minute particles like sulphates, nitrates, black carbon, particle-bound water, metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc) and hydrocarbons constitute the particulate matter. c. PM2.5 is fine inhalable particles of size 2.5 micrometres and smaller. d. Continuous exposure to PM can cause asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and any type of bronchitis.

Answer: a

Explanation:

Particulate matter or particle pollution is the general term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. There is a wide range of minute particles in the air that can be seen only using an electron microscope. It includes sulphates, nitrates, black carbon, particle-bound water, metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc) and hydrocarbons. In addition, biological components such as allergens (pollen, dust mites) and microbial compounds (fungi) are also PM.

When inhaled, PM can cause a wide range of respiratory disorders. “Continuous exposure to PM can cause asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and any type of bronchitis. PM can penetrate deep into the lungs and damage it. Any bacteria or virus can now attack the lungs and this could even lead to serious life-threatening infections.

9. In which of the following country world’s first artificial intelligence politician has been developed?

a. USA b. New Zealand c. China d. Singapore

Answer: b

Explanation:

New Zealand scientists have developed the world’s first artificial intelligence politician that can answer a person’s queries regarding local issues such as policies around housing, education and immigration. The virtual politician, called SAM, was created by Nick Gerritsen, a 49-year-old entrepreneur in New Zealand. The AI politician is constantly learning to respond to people through Facebook Messenger as well as a survey on its homepage.

10. Garganey, Ferruginous Pochard, Common Teal, Common Merganser, and Ruddy Shelduck etc. are the name of which of the following species?

a. Birds b. Frogs c. Fish d. Animals

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, around three lakh winged birds have made the gloomy winter landscape of the Kashmir Valley more alive. The visitors came from Central Asia and Europe. Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Brahminy Duck, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon are some of the most sighted birds in the wetlands of Kashmir.

The winged visitors start arriving in the valley towards the first week of November as Kashmir presents them a comparatively hospitable alternate habitat compared to the extreme freezing conditions in their natural habitats in Siberia, China, Japan and other countries in the northern hemisphere, an official of the Wildlife Department said.

11. Consider the following statements regarding the Aditya-L1 Mission of ISRO?

1) Aditya-L1 is India's maiden mission to study the sun. 2) It is first Indian mission to be placed at Lagrangian point L1 which far away from the Earth from where continuous solar observations are possible. 3) This mission is being carried out by ISRO in collaboration with NASA.

Choose the correct code:

a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Aditya-L1 is a spacecraft whose mission is to study the Sun. The project is approved and the satellite will be launched during 2019 – 2020 timeframe by PSLV-XL from Sriharikota. It has been designed and will be built in collaboration between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and various Indian research organizations.

This will be the first Indian space mission to study the Sun, and also the first Indian mission to be placed at Lagrangian point L1 which is far away from the Earth from where continuous solar observations are possible. Only NASA and ESA have successfully placed satellites at the L1 point as of date.

Aditya-1 was meant to observe only the solar corona. The outer layers of the Sun, extending to thousands of km above the disc (photosphere) is termed as the corona. It has a temperature of more than a million degree Kelvin which is much higher than the solar disc temperature of around 6000K. How the corona gets heated to such high temperatures is still an unanswered question in solar physics.

12. Consider the following statements regarding the recently held Navika Sagar Parikrama:

1) Navika Sagar Parikrama is an expedition for the circumnavigation of the globe on INSV Tarini by Indian Navy. 2) This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew.

Which of the above statements are true?

a. Only 1 b. Only 2 c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Navika Sagar Parikrama is the name of the expedition for circumnavigation the globe on INSV Tarini by Indian Navy's Women Naval Officers. This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. The vessel is skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi.

The significance of Navika Sagar Parikrama voyage is in consonance with the National policy to women empowerment to attain their full potential. The voyage also aims to showcase the Make in India initiative of the government by sailing on board an indigenously built INSV Tarini. It also encourages the use of environment-friendly non-conventional renewable energy; as the ship harnesses the wind. The crew will also monitor and report marine pollution levels.

1) SAUBHAGYA scheme is to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in urban areas only. 2) Households would also be provided electricity connections under the scheme of payment of Rs.500 only which shall be recovered by the DISCOMs/Power Departments in instalments. 3) There is no provision in the scheme to provide free power to any category of consumers.

Which of the above statements is true?

a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” scheme was launched to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas.

The objective of the ‘Saubhagya’ is to provide energy access to all by last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural as well as urban areas to achieve universal household electrification in the country.

Poor households would be provided electricity connections free of cost. Other households would also be provided electricity connections under the scheme of payment of Rs.500 only which shall be recovered by the DISCOMs/Power Departments in ten (10) instalments along with electricity bills.

There is no provision in the scheme to provide free power to any category of consumers. The cost of electricity consumption shall have to be paid by the respective consumers as per prevailing tariff of the DISCOM.

14. Which of the following statements are true regarding the much in news "Right to Freedom of Religion"?

a. Right to propagate means transmission and dissemination of one’s religious beliefs to others or exposition of the tenets of one’s religion. b. Right to propagate does not include a right to convert another person to one’s own religion. c. Article 25 says wearing and carrying of kirpans is to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion. d. All of the above

Answer: d

Explanation:

According to the Indian constitution, Article 25 says that all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion. Article 25 also contains two explanations:

• Wearing and carrying of kirpans is to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion; • The Hindus, in this context, include Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

Right to propagate means transmission and dissemination of one’s religious beliefs to others or exposition of the tenets of one’s religion. But, it does not include a right to convert another person to one’s own religion. Forcible conversions impinge on the ‘freedom of conscience’ guaranteed to all the persons alike.

15. National Milk Day is celebrated in India on the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the Father of White Revolution. consider the following statements regarding the milk production in India:

1) India ranks first in milk production accounting for 18.5 percent of world production. 2) The per capita availability of milk in India is more than the world average.

Which of the above statements are true?

a. Only 1 b. Only 2 c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Indian agricultural system is predominantly a mixed crop-livestock farming system, with the livestock segment supplementing farm incomes by providing employment, draught animals and manure. India ranks first in milk production, accounting for 18.5 percent of world production, achieving an annual output of 146.3 million tonnes during 2014-15 recording a growth of 6.26 percent.

The per capita availability of milk in India has increased from 176 grams per day in 1990-91 to 322 grams per day by 2014-15. It is more than the world average of 294 grams per day during 2013. This represents a sustained growth in availability of milk and milk products for the growing population. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural households engaged in agriculture.

16. The 15th Finance Commission has been constituted recently. Consider the following statements regarding the 15th Finance Commission:

1. The 15th Finance Commission will analyse the progress made in the promotions of ease of doing business in the country by promoting labour intensive growth and effecting related policy and regulatory changes.2. The commission is given the task to study the impact of the GST, including abolition of a number of cesses, payment of compensation for possible loss of revenues for five years3. The recommendations of the commission will come into effect for the five years start from 1 April, 2020 and it been asked to submit its report by 30 October 2019.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. 1 and 2

b. 2 and 3

c. 1 and 3

d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

As per the Article 280 of Indian Constitution, the appointed commission is supposed to make recommendations on the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the centre and the states. It will also recommend a fiscal consolidation road map for sound fiscal management. The commission will also recommend the principles which should govern the grants in aid of the revenues of the states out of the consolidated fund of India.

The commission is given the task to study the impact of the GST, including abolition of a number of cesses, payment of compensation for possible loss of revenues for five years, and earmarking funds for the compensation and other structural reforms programme, on the finances of centre and states.

17. Recently, NITI Aayog has released the Strategy on Resource Efficiency in collaboration with which of the following international organisations?

1. European Union2. World Bank3. Asian Development4. OPEC

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, NITI Aayog has released the Strategy on Resource Efficiency in collaboration with the European Union delegation to India. The report is also included in action plan for promoting resource efficiency in India.

The document is created with the recommendations from the Indian Resource Efficiency Programme (IREP), launched by the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Indian Resource Panel (InRP) in April 2017. The work on Resource Efficiency Strategy and proposed plan of action (core and medium term) will be supported for its implementation by the European Union (EU) funded Resource Efficiency Initiative (EU-REI) led by GIZ in the consortium with TERI, CII and Adelphi. NITI Aayog has provided key support in positioning this document for public consultation, and charting the way forward.

18. Recently, Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Italy for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues. Consider the following statements regarding this:

1. The MoU will provide a road map for cooperation in the fields of Phytosanitary issues, agricultural production and a wide range of other sectors including animal husbandry, agricultural research, food processing and other additional fields as may be mutually decided by both the sides.2. The MoU will encourage and facilitate contacts between governmental agencies, scientific and academic institutions and business communities of both countries and promote further cooperation between the respective research institutes of the two countries.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Union Cabinet has given approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Italy for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues. It replaces the earlier MoU signed in January, 2008 which is going to expire in January, 2018.

The signed MoU will provide a road map for cooperation in the fields of Phytosanitary issues, agricultural production and a wide range of other sectors including animal husbandry, agricultural research, food processing and other additional fields as may be mutually decided by both the sides.

The MoU has envisage with the provision for exchange of information on the situation of agriculture and rural development, strengthening of technical exchange and production cooperation in respect of agricultural mechanization/farm machinery and agro-industrial infrastructures, removal of technical barriers and exchange experiences in animal husbandry sector including modern scientific researches and technologies etc.

19. Recently, a cyclonic Storm ‘OCKHI’ has affected the coastal area of which of the following country?

1. Malaysia2. India3. Japan4. China

Answer: b

Explanation:

It has been indicated by the latest observations and satellite imageries that the cyclonic storm ‘OCKHI’ over Comorin area moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 20 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centred at 1430 hrs IST of today, the 30th November, 2017 over south Kerala coast and neighbourhood near Latitude 7.9º N and Longitude 76.4º E, about 120 km west-southwest of Kanyakumari, 180 km south-southwest of Thiruvananthapuram and 360 km east-southeast of Minicoy. The system is very likely to move west-northwestwards towards Lakshadweep Islands and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours.

20. Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty (ICFT) between India and Brazil. Consider the following statements regarding this:

1. The Treaty will result in increase of investment flows between India and Brazil.2. The ICFT between India and Brazil will provide appropriate facilitation to Brazilian investors in India and Indian investors in the Brazil.

Which of the above statement is true?

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Union Cabinet of India chaired has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty (ICFT) between India and Brazil.

The Treaty will result in increase of investment flows between the two countries. The ICFT between India and Brazil will provide appropriate facilitation to Brazilian investors in India and Indian investors in the Brazil. It is likely to increase the comfort level and boost the confidence of investors by assuring a level playing field and non-discrimination in all investment facilitation matters, thus providing conducive investment climate to investors. It would help project India as a preferred Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination to all Brazilian investors.

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